Matt. 18:15-35 – What does it mean to “forgive someone from your heart?”(vs. 35). What process did Jesus outline to help us through the forgiving/reconciling command?

What question asked by Peter (vss. 21,22) prompted the parable of the unforgiving servant?

God on Forgiveness/Reconciliation…

Read Psalm 103:6-14. Since God’s nature is our standard of and motivation for obedience what do these verses tell us about how and why God forgives us?

Paul on Forgiveness/Reconciliation…

What is the intended result of God’s mercy and forgiveness (“kindness”)? Rom. 2:4

Read Rom. 12:17-21. If the goal of forgiveness is to “overcome evil with good” then how can our kindness mixed with God’s wrath cooperate to bring people to repentance? (Consider Num. 16:45-49 as an illustration of Moses’ and Aaron’s mixture of passion for the people and for God’s Holiness along with God’s wrath and willingness to forgive.)

Read 2 Cor. 2:5-11. If Satan’s goal is to kill and destroy then how might we “play into his hands” when we refuse to forgive someone that is trying to repent?

CONNECTING TO OUR LIVES:

Can you imagine trying to forgive your dad which forced you to have an abortion, people who had chopped up your brother, or a father that had repeatedly molested your sister?

Which of these passages of Scripture would be a good memory verse to help you forgive someone that you feel may be unforgivable?

How can a person know if someone that has hurt them really wants to repent and be forgiven or just free from consequences? (Forgiveness-Repentance)

Doug Delp

This blog is designed to be a spiritual resource for those seeking to live intentional and Christ-centered lives. I hope it will create a hunger to look longer, deeper, or anticipation for a time when everything that matters will finally be made clear!